Transparency: A Clear Foundation for Standards Development

By Erika Simmons, AATCC Technical Director

AATCC standards are developed, specified, and performed around the world. With such a global reach, transparency must serve as the foundation for standards development.  AATCC standards adhere to the six principles defined by the World Trade Organization(WTO) for the development of international standards. 

• Transparency
• Openness
• Impartiality and Consensus
• Effectiveness and Relevance
• Coherence
• Development Dimension

AATCC takes practical measures to avoid duplicating standards that exist in its own and other organizations.  Harmonization may not always be possible or practical, especially if it compromises the method’s intent; however, when practical, AATCC works with other organizations to harmonize standards.

AATCC provides notice of draft standards and topics under consideration by posting research committee notes, minutes, and project listings. Twice a year, AATCC publishes new and revised standards in the AATCC Manual of International Test Methods and Procedures and in the mid-year supplement.

Ideation, diverse perspectives, and consensus are the cornerstones of AATCC standard development. Any interested party may join a research committee as a non-voting member or attend committee meetings to participate in discussions.

To see current committee projects, visit www.aatcc.org/join/#committees. Scroll to the second table for Committee Projects.

The next round of research committee meetings will be part of AATCC’s Week of Celebration, November 15-19, 2021 in Durham, NC, USA. There is no fee to attend, but registration is required for in-person or virtual attendance.

Register for free at www.aatcc.org/events/committees.